Black Bay and the Rat Root River are the hottest spots for walleye and crappie right now. The Rat Root flows through it’s own lake and into the west end of Black Bay and anglers are finding walleye in 10 to 15 feet of water throughout that stretch. The crappies are in the same area, but are a little tougher to locate. There have also been good reports of walleye both above and below the Ranier Rapids.

Rainy River has been hot for walleye pretty much from International Falls to Baudette. The annual fall run of walleyes follows a run of emerald shiners they are feeding on. If you can get emerald shiners, that will be the best bait to use. At the same time, anglers are pulling in walleye with other minnows.

Grouse hunters are seeing more birds as the cover thins a bit. There’s still some color to be seen in the fall woods, but leaves are coming down steadily